WINONA, Minn. — The newly formed Winona Rapid Response team, which is targeting abusive policing by federal agents, is organizing a protest march Saturday around the smaller Lake Winona. The 1.8-mile event is being promoted as a Freedom March. The time: 1 p.m. at the Winona High School parking lot. On behalf of the organizing team, County Board member Dwayne Voegeli passed along these details:
“We will do most of our talking with our feet. Like MLK Jr, Gandhi, Bayard Rustin, and others have said, it’s important to put ‘movement’ in the movement. Please bring signs. We will walk around the small lake on the bike path. We will make a loop and return to the high school parking lot. This will require us to spread out along the bike path. It will provide great exposure to Hwy 61 and Huff Street.
“This will be a family friendly and non-violent event in the spirit of MLK Jr. (no “Fu*k ICE” signs).
“Unfortunately, the weather will be cold. Right now the high temperature is to be only about 10 degrees. Please bundle up and dress accordingly. Because of the weather, we realize the turnout might be smaller, maybe even a lot smaller, and that is OK. For those who are able to take part, it will be an extra-large statement.”